Rosetta Stone
The Library subscribes to Rosetta Stone Foundations, which features 30 languages from around the globe. To enter the database, go to Rosetta Stone Foundations (link below). You can also use Rosetta Stone on a mobile device.
If you have trouble entering the database and signing up for an account, contact Paula Carns at pcarns@illinois.edu.
If you have difficulties once you set up your account, please use the "Contact Support" option at Rosetta Stone (linked off of the entry page).
Local Language Classes
- School of Literatures, Cultures, and LinguisticsThe School of Literatures, Cultures, and Linguistics offers a variety of courses each semester for language learners of all skill levels. The School also hosts several cultural learning sessions each semester, such as film screenings, conversation hours, and linguistics seminars. Check out their calendar for upcoming events.
- Intensive Language Instruction ProgramThe Intensive Language Instruction Program offers exhaustive language learning three times a year to the Champaign-Urbana community. These courses taught by UIUC faculty and graduate students offer learners the ability to study a variety of languages at three distinct levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). Visit IFLIP's website to see when their upcoming sessions are and what languages will be offered.
- Foreign Languages at Parkland CollegeParkland College offers language courses to those looking for classes outside of UIUC. The offerings vary semester to semester, but French, Italian, and Spanish are frequently available.
The Champaign Park District and the Urbana Park District occasionally offer language classes to the wider Champaign-Urbana community. Look at each district's current and upcoming seasonal program guides to see what classes are available to language learners. Some sessions take place virtually or are only available to those within certain age ranges.
Apps for Your Phone and Computer
Beelinguapp is a free app exclusively for mobile devices and focuses on learning and practicing languages through reading. Within the app, you can listen and read stories in your language of choice, as well as follow along with its English translation. The side-by-side reading lets you check any vocabulary or sentences you don't quite understand. A variety of stories are available, including folk and fairy tales, mysteries, classics, and more.
Busuu is a free language learning app, providing access to lessons for twelve languages. The app uses the four main language concepts--reading, speaking, listening, and writing--and provides tailored lessons to aid in the learning process. Additionally, Busuu can connect users to native speakers, who can provide feedback on lessons, writings, and more. You can access the app on your computer or mobile device.
Drops is a free app that uses game-style mechanics to help you learn the language. The short, five minute lessons combine aesthetically pleasing word games with mnemonic devices. Drops also has a companion app, called Scripts, for learning character-based languages (or languages with a different writing system). While the basic app is free, there are also subscription options for more features. In addition to accessing the app on your device, you may also try it in your browser or download it to your computer.
Duolingo is a free language learning application that you can use on your computer or your mobile device. The app uses a game-like system to aid learning, letting you accumulate points for every correct answer, and even allowing you to compete against your friends. Small, short lessons make up a majority of Duolingo exercises, and the more you use the app, the more personalized your lessons become. There are a variety of languages available (with more being added every day), and no limit to how many you can learn! Best of all, you can practice your language skills wherever and whenever you want!
Babbel- This app is a paid "cousin" of Duolingo, though with 40 free lessons, it is a great option! Each class uses pictures to teach you vocabulary. Then the words you learned are used in related phrases and short dialogues adjusted to the the level you are at to build conversation skills. There are handy pop-ups that explain the most important grammatical points related to the learned material and if you are on a computer, they also include short cultural notes. You can also get separate packages devoted to improving specific skills such as grammar or vocabulary if you already have some experience with the language and only want to improve certain skills. Lastly, Babbel’s classes can be downloaded and kept offline for you to study.
Memrise is a free app designed to adapt to your needs as you learn a new language. It provides audio and video clips from native speakers to help with pronunciation, vocabulary building, and to grow your own speaking skills. Rather than focusing on grammar, Memrise prioritizes speaking confidently and learning how to communicate.
Mondly is a free app that uses course materials, chatbots, and augmented reality to aid the language learning process. They have 33 languages to choose from, and even allows you to learn a new language using your native language, instead of from English. This is relatively unique amongst language apps. The free version of Mondly gives you a daily lesson as well as seven other "Hello" lessons. Like Duolingo, Mondly awards you points for correct answers, even ranking you among other users in a friendly competition.
Dictionaries
The International and Area Studies Library has put together a list of over 40 language dictionaries for English speakers to reference. Some of these resources are open access and available to all, while some require UIUC affiliation. Review the list to see if the language you are studying has a dictionary available to you.
UIUC Language LibGuides
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library has created a number of useful LibGuides for language and cultural learning. The following selected guides may be helpful to those participating in study abroad programs through the College of Education.
Conversational Apps
HelloTalk is a language learning app that focuses on learning through conversation. The app connects you to native speakers of the language you wish to learn, as well as allows you to teach them your native language as well. You can communicate with them through messages, voice recordings, video and voice calls, and even drawings. Additionally, the app provides language tools to help with pronunciation, translation, and tools to correct grammar or vocabulary errors within messages.
Like HelloTalk, Tandem is a language exchange app that uses communication with native speakers to help teach or aid in language acquisition. After joining Tandem, users may start conversations with native speakers of the language they wish to learn. Communication methods include text messages and voice and video calling/recording. Additionally, there are correction and translation tools for users, so they can correct grammar and vocabulary while chatting with one another.
HiNative- A Free App! This app makes learning correct pronunciation a breeze. It allows you to get the benefits of getting in touch with native speakers without the hassle of searching for an exchange partner or having to schedule a chat. Anything is up for question here; you can ask for translations, input on pronunciation, or advice on cultural norms. You can also help fellow learners with the knowledge of your own language(s)!